How Much to Lower a Car? A Guide to Negotiate

Car customization is a passion for many auto enthusiasts. One of the most popular ways to personalize your ride is by lowering the suspension. Whether you prefer a sleek look, improved handling, or more excellent aerodynamics, reducing your car can vastly improve its visual appeal and performance. But with such a venture, cost plays a significant role. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding how much it costs to lower a car and how to negotiate effectively to achieve your desired look without breaking the bank.

Understanding the Basics of Car Lowering

Before delving into costs, let’s understand what lowering a car entails. Reducing a vehicle generally involves modifying the suspension to decrease the distance between the vehicle’s body and the ground. This can be done through various methods, each with its own set of costs and benefits.

The Three Lowering Methods

• Lowering Springs: This is the most common method and involves replacing the factory springs with shorter and stiffer ones, directly resulting in a lowered ride height.
• Coilovers are a complete suspension replacement that allows you to adjust the car’s ride height while offering improved damping and sometimes even adjustable camber.
• Air Suspension: Though the most expensive option, air suspension provides the most flexibility in ride height adjustments and is perfect for lowering a car for an aggressive look without sacrificing practicality or comfort.

Each method has varying initial costs, with air suspension usually the most expensive, followed by coilovers and lowering springs.

The Cost Breakdown for Lowering a Car

One of the most significant contributors to the cost of lowering your car is the part or kit you choose. Here’s an average cost breakdown for each method:

Lowering Springs

Picking the right lowering springs for your vehicle can cost anywhere from $200 to $600, not including installation. These cost less upfront but can affect the ride quality, as factory shocks might not be tuned for the stiffer springs.

You also need to factor in the cost of labor, which can range from $200 to $500. This cost will vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, as well as the expertise of the mechanic.

Coilovers

A good set of coilovers can range from $1,000 to $3,000 and sometimes more. While this is a significant investment, you’re paying for a complete suspension upgrade with adjustable features influencing ride height and performance.

Air Suspension

Air suspension is typically the most expensive option, with a complete kit starting at around $2,500 and exceeding $6,000. Its versatility justifies the cost, making it ideal for those who want to switch between different ride heights.

The initial part costs, however, only tell part of the story. Labor can be a substantial part of the overall expense, and additional parts may be needed to maintain or adjust other aspects of the suspension, such as camber kits or control arms.

Negotiating the Lowering Costs

When it comes to negotiating the cost of lowering your car, there are a few strategies that can help you achieve a more affordable deal.

Understanding the Full Picture

Look at the project’s total cost, including parts, labor, and any additional components needed. Understanding what you’re paying for will help you decide where to cut costs and where it might be beneficial to invest a little more.

Market research is also essential. Shop around and compare prices from different mechanics and shops. You might find a better deal elsewhere or even leverage quotes for negotiation. We had a customer who researched by getting quotes from multiple shops and then used the lowest quote to negotiate with a different mechanic who offered better services. They were able to get a lower price while still receiving quality work.

Shop Around and Compare Quotes

Don’t just settle for the first quote you receive. Visit multiple shops and compare the pricing and services they offer. Remember, the most affordable option isn’t always the best, but the most expensive doesn’t guarantee quality either.

Be Transparent About Your Budget

If you’re transparent about what you’re willing to spend, the shop or dealer can devise a solution that fits your financial constraints. They suggest more cost-effective parts or adjust their labor rates to accommodate you.

Bundle Services

Consider bundling services if you plan to lower your car as part of a larger customization project. Shops might be more willing to offer a discount if you do more work simultaneously.

Before Committing to a Lowered Car

Lowering your car can have a significant impact, both positively and negatively. Here’s what to consider before committing:

How Low Can You Legally Go?

Every state has laws regarding the minimum allowable ride height. Check your local regulations to avoid legal hassles down the line.

Warranty and Insurance Implications

Modifying your car’s suspension can negate parts of your warranty, and you might need to inform your insurance company, potentially increasing your premiums. Consider this when budgeting for the project.

Ride Quality and Practicality

If you’re lowering your car mainly for looks, be prepared for potential sacrifices in ride comfort and practicality. This can be mitigated with the proper setup but might add to the cost.

Real-Life Negotiation Tactics

To further illustrate how to negotiate the costs of lowering your car, let’s dive into specific tactics you can employ.

Establish a Relationship with the Shop

Developing a good relationship can benefit both parties in the long run. Loyal customers can often expect better treatment and pricing due to patronage.

Discuss the Value of Repeat Business

If you plan to return to the shop for maintenance or further customizations, let them know you’re a potential long-term customer. They might be more willing to offer a discount upfront for the promise of future business.

Suggest Using Social Media for Marketing

Shops often appreciate free marketing. You can negotiate the final cost by agreeing to showcase their work on your social media channels or by providing a personal testimonial.

How Much Is Reasonable to Negotiate on a Used Car

When buying a used car with an installed lowered suspension, experts suggest you negotiate between 10% and 20% of the overall car price. This can vary depending on the original cost of the car and the perceived high quality of the lowering job.

How to Negotiate Over the Phone

Negotiating over the phone can be more challenging, but it’s not impossible. Be prepared to have a competitive quote from another shop and be direct about what you want. Try to schedule an in-person meeting to further your discussion and finalize the deal.

Conclusion

Lowering your car can be an exhilarating step in personalizing your vehicle. However, it’s essential to approach this venture with a comprehensive understanding of the costs involved. By following the strategies and insights shared in this guide, you’ll be better poised to negotiate the cost of lowering your car and embark on a ride that truly reflects your style and preferences. Remember, informed decision-making and effective negotiation are your allies in achieving the perfect balance between your car and your wallet.